Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Applique Method

This is my absolute favourite and the only method I like to use for appliqué "freezer paper and liquid starch". I promised in a previous post that I would show how I do my appliqué.

1. Trace all appliqué shapes onto dull side of freezer paper (reverse shapes as needed).2. Cut out each shape on traced line.3. Iron on "wrong" side of fabric (pictured above).4. Ruff cut a generous 1/4" around each shape. You're not looking for that prefect 1/4" here.Here are all the supplies I need for preparing my shapes.a. Liquid Starchb. Clover Mini Ironc. Seam Ripperd. Small Saucere. Artist Brush (available at dollar stores)

5. Spray a small amount of starch in the saucer and add a couple of drops of water.6. Take the artist brush and dip in starch mixture.7. On the right side of fabric shape, using the artist brush wet the seam allowance with the starch mixture (without soaking the fabric)8. I use the seam ripper in my left hand and the Clover Mini Iron in my right hand.9. Using the seam ripper to hold the seam allowance while ironing with mini iron. The iron will dry and press the seam allowance to freezer paper side.10. Continue around shape until seam allowance is all flipped in and starch has dried from ironing.The seam allowance will stay flipped over because of the starch. Hold the iron for a few seconds to let the iron dry the fabric. I use the iron on the hottest setting but be very careful it gets VERY HOT. The best part is that if you don't like how your shaped turn out ie points showing up around the circle, you can re-wet and start again. Be careful with this as the freezer paper doesn't stand up with wetting too much. That's the reason I tell you to wet the right side, it keeps the water away from the freezer paper as much as possible.Here is what it looks like when the seam allowance is all dry. The smaller circle is where I've taken out the freezer paper. You can see how it holds very well. Now you are ready to place on your background fabric and start attaching the applique shapes.See the star has some funny ends showing. I'll trim these just a little and then when I hand appliqué I will use the needle to push under the remainder of the ends sticking out. I've used this method for all kinds of shapes and sizes, even tiny circles.Here is my layout ready for pinning or I like to use Roxanne's glue to hold in place. I only use a few tiny drops around the seam allowance and no pins to get in my way. This block is part of a kit I bought at The Quilted Crow....oh I guess a couple years ago now. The best appliqué thread I've found is called Invisafil and it's truly invisible when you sew with it. People don't believe me until they give it a try and then are totally amazed at how you can't see the stitches. The other nice thing is that you don't need every colour, I've been using one colour for all the shapes and it doesn't show.

I love this pattern. I just bought a kit for it and am anxious to make mine, especially after seeing yours. Do you hand or machine applique. Going to try this method. I usually do needle turn. Thanks - karen

This is exactly the method I use with a few differences. I trace onto the shiny side of the freezer paper with a fine tip marker then iron it onto the dull side of another piece of freezer paper - this will provide extra stability to the paper. I've never added water to the starch - great idea. I use a stenciling brush and instead of a seam ripper I use a stiletto.

I'm definitely going to try the Invisafil thread - what an excellent idea. Which 'color' do you use, Wendy.

Thanks Wendy for showing your method. I may just try that for machine applique. I tend to use water soluble glue to hold the edge down. The paper helps stabilize the shape as I sew around using a blind stitch. I do like your method for stars. I sometimes have difficulty with the needle turn method when it comes to stars. The block looks lovely! What pattern is that? For thread, I like silk. I only have the basic colours and it works out great for me! Thanks for sharing!

Great tutorial. Do you take the paper out from all of the pieces before you stitch them down?

I just do the needle turn applique. I've heard of people using glue on the fabric to hold the seam allowance but never spray starch. I think that would be much better than glue and make a nice crisp edge for stitching. Good idea.

I tried this method a few years ago but was so heavy handed with the starch that the paper was practically welded on and I couldn't get it out. I don't have much success with needleturn so may try this again with a bit less starch - lol !

Fantastic tutorial Wendy! I have been struggling to master that method lately. I think the key item I was leaving out was the seam ripper. I was getting frustrated, the edges were not cooperating, my freezer paper was disintegrating, and worst of all I was melting my gel manicure! I will give it another go, thanks to your terrific lesson.

So do you remove all the paper before you stitch down? That's always been by hesitant with paper is having to cut the background to ge tit out. I'll try this with removing the paper on some of my circles and see how I like it! Thanks!

Thanks soooo much for such a wonderful tutorial and for taking the time to putting it together and sharing it !I'm just beginning to venture into quilting/patchwork/applique world and this is definitely one of the methods I will be trying out 1st.

Great applique tutorial Wendy! I do my applique the very same way, however, I use 3 sheets of freezer paper (all fused together) for each shape. It holds up better with the water & starch and you can use it at least 5-6 times on each project.Nettie

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About Me

Welcome to my blog. This is my journal to share my quilting adventures and everything that inspires me. I work part-time at my home based business Longarm Quilting and part-time in a quilt shop called Creative Edge. Please feel free to use my tutorials and if you want to borrow a picture I only ask that you request permission first. I love to read your comments but remember I can't reply if your showing up as a "no reply". Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy your visit.